{
  "id": 12274372,
  "title": "Asked how to stop Messi in his farewell game, Benin defender says he wants to tell Leo, 'Messi, you are God'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/asked-how-to-stop-messi-in-his-farewell-game-benin-defender-says-he",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T01:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/asked-how-to-stop-messi-in-his-farewell-game-benin-defender-says-he-wants-to-tell-leo-messi-you-are-god-1.500699622"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the football world prepares for Lionel Messi's farewell match, Benin defender Mohamed Tijani has offered a unique perspective on how to handle the legendary player. In an interview outside a Buenos Aires convenience store, a reporter asked Tijani how he plans to stop Messi, anticipating the legendary status of the Argentine's final game for his country. Tijani laughed, stating that there is no need to mark Messi; rather, the Benin team should simply enjoy the match. He emphasized that Benin has no special defensive strategy for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, describing him as \"the God\" of football. This light-hearted response reveals the mixed emotions the occasion brings to the opposition. While Benin coach Gernot Rohr has insisted on a competitive approach, the game is undoubtedly special for the opposition players, who will forever be remembered as the team facing Messi's final appearance for Argentina.",
  "summary": "The football world is gearing up for Lionel Messi’s farewell match in an Argentina shirt, and it is going to be an emotional night at the Monumental. For Argentina fans, it will be the chance to say goodbye to the man who fmade their dream again. But the occasion will also be incredibly special for the Benin players. Years from now, many of them will be remembered as the players who happened to…",
  "key_points": [
    "Benin defender Mohamed Tijani says no special defensive strategy for Messi",
    "Messi described as \"the God\" of football by Tijani",
    "Tijani's response shows mixed emotions about Messi's farewell game"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Benin's lighthearted approach to facing Messi in his farewell game reveals a mix of competitiveness and reverence, as players like Tijani seem to prioritize enjoying the occasion over devising a special defensive strategy.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}